Yarn furnishing device



June 6, 1967 R. c. SPURGEON 3,323,753

YARN FURNISHING DEVICE Filed Oct. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

A 7 rams R. C. SPURGEON YARN FURNISH ING DEVI CE June 6, 1967 Filed Oct. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 MmMNrH United States Patent 3,323,753 YARN FURNISHKNG DEVICE Richard C. Spurgeon, RED. 2, Lansdale, Pa.

Fiied Oct. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 405,440 Claims. (Cl. 242-147) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to yarn furnishing devices and particularly to a device which levels the tension in the yarn furnished.

When yarn is delivered to the needles of a ladies hosiery knitting machine, it must be under tension, otherwise the needles will not take and knit the yarn satisfactorily. Therefore, such machines are provided with yarn tension devices arranged for delivery of yarn at a predetermined desired tension. Nevertheless, the yarn tension will vary somewhat from time to time from the predetermined desired tension due, for example, to a change in the rate at Which the yarn is delievered to the machine or to defective or irregular winding of the yarn on the pirn or other package or to disturbance of the lay of the yarn on the pirn or other package. Sometimes the tension will rise above the desired tension, and at other times it will drop below the desired tension. Thus the need arises for means which operate to level the yarn tension. Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved yarn tension leveling device which is capable of responding to departure of yarn tension from a predetermined de sired yarn tension and compensating therefore instantly and accurately whether the departures are only momentary or more or less sustained.

Another object is to provide such a device which automatically adjusts to any change in the yarn delivery rate.

Another object is to provide such a device which is capable of acting upon a plurality of yarns simultaneously and leveling the tension in each of them independently of the tension in the others.

Another object is to provide such a device which is simple in arrangement, simple and economical to manufacture and eflicient in operation.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent when the following description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevation of apparatus including a yarn tension leveling device constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a section on line 11-11 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a section on the line III-III in FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 4 is similar to FIGURE 1, but shows a modified form of the invention;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG- URE 4;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary end View, as indicated by line VIVI, FIGURE 5, part being broken away and sectioned;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged fragmentary end view, as indicated by line VIIVII, FIGURE 5, part being broken away and sectioned; and

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged perspective View of the tensioning device shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 7, part being broken away and sectioned.

The following description is directed to the specific embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, and is not intended to be addressed to the scope of the invention, which may be practiced in a variety of forms.

Referring particularly to FIGURES 13, a rigid base, generally designated 10, mounts a tensioning device, generally designated 12, a yarn tension leveling device, generally designated 14, and a drive, generally designated 16. Associated with the foregoing is a supply of yarn in the form of a pirn 18. Yarn from the pirn 18 extends through the yarn tension leveling device 14 and the tensioning device 12 to a utility, for example, a circular ladies hosiery knitting machine (not shown).

The tensioning device 12 is conventional. It includes a hollow ceramic snubbing cylinder 22 stationarily mounted upon a block 24 affixed to the base 10. On one side of the cylinder 22 are a pair of laterally spaced upright standards 26 extending upwardly from the base 10, and embracing both standards 26 is a ring 28 free to slide up and down on the standards 26. On the opposite side of the cylinder 22 are a pair of laterally spaced upright standards 30 extending upwardly from the base 10, and embracing both standards 30 is a ring 32 free to slide up and down on the standards 30.

The leveling device 14 includes a roller 34 covered with shell cordovan leather. Extending through the roller is a shaft 36, opposite end portions of which are journaled in bearings 38 respectively seated upon blocks 40 affixed to the base 10. On one side of the roller 34 are a pair of laterally spaced standards 42 inclined at an angle of approximately fifty-two degrees with respect to the base 10. At the top of the standards 42 and frictionally secured therebetween is an eyelet 44, and below the eyelet and embracing one of the standards 42 is a ring 46 free to slide up and down on the standard 42. On the opposite side of the roller 34 are a pair of laterally spaced standards 48 inclined at an angle of approximately fifty-two degrees with respect to the base 10. At the top of the standards 48 and frictionally secured therebetween is an eyelet 50, and below the eyelet and embracing one of the standards 48 is a ring 52 free to slide up and down on the standard 48. All of the standards 26, 30, 42 and 48 are made of smooth, rigid wire. The cylinder 22 and all of the rings 28, 32, 46 and 52 are made of a ceramic material, for example, A1 Si Mag, and finished with a mat surface.

Mounted on one end portion of the shaft 36 is a V-pulley 54 about which is trained a belt 56. The belt is also trained about a pulley 58 mounted upon the shaft of an electric motor 60 seated upon the base 10.

The yarn 20 from the pirn 18 is passed through eyelet downwardly along standard 48, through ring 52, under roller 34 of the leveling device 14, through ring 46, upwardly along standard 42, through eyelet 44, downwardly along standard 30, through ring 32, upwardly and over the cylinder 22 of the tensioning device 12, downwardly along standard 26, through ring 28 and to the knitting machine.

Assuming that the knitting machine is at rest, there is no demand for yarn. Rings 52 and 46 normally are in the positions shown by broken lines in FIGURE 1, and by their weight they hold the yarn 20 away from the roller 34. The yarn is held by the weight of the rings 32 and 28 in contact with the cylinder 22. When yarn is demanded by the knitting machine, slack is removed from the yarn, and the rings 52 and 46 slide upwardly respectively on their standards 48 and 42 as required to bring the yarn 20 into content with the underside of the roller 34. The roller turns rapidly in yarn advancing direction, the surface speed thereof exceeding the linear speed of the yarn so that there is always some slippage between the yarn and the roller.

Normally, tension in the yarn delivered to the knitting machine is dependent upon the length of yarn over the cylinder 22 in contact with the surface thereof, which in turn depends upon the weight of rings 28 and 32. In addition, it depends upon the resistance offered by rings 28 and 32 to yarn being pulled therethrough. All of these factors may be related initially as required to afford a setting which gives a predetermined desired yarn tension.

Of the factors enumerated above, the length of yarn over the cylinder 22 in contact with the surface thereof is most important. While the machine is drawing yarn from the bobbin 18 at a uniform rate, the length of yarn over the cylinder 22 in contact with the surface thereof does not vary, in consequence of which the yarn tension does not vary. When the rate changes, even slightly, the

yarn length between the roller 34 and the machine tends to change also. If the rate decreases, the yarn length tends to become greater, in consequence of which the rings 32 and 28 slide down to lower positions on their standards 30 and 26, whereupon the yarn length in contact with the surface of cylinder 22, and the yarn tension, change. If the rate increases, the yarn length tends to become shorter, in consequence of which the rings 32 and 28 slide up to higher positions on their standards 30 and 26, whereupon the yarn length in contact with the surface of cylinder 22, and the yarn tension, change. The function of the device 14 is to prevent the aforesaid changes in yarn length between roller 34 and the machine, thereby to prevent change in yarn tension.

When the yarn tension increases, for example, due .to increased rate of consumption, the loop of yarn extending under roller 34 .tends to shorten, whereupon the ring 52 and/ or the ring 46 slide upwardly on their standards. Thus the length of yarn actually in contact with the underside of roller 34 increases, in consequence of which slippage decreases and yarn is advanced at a more rapid rate by roller 34. Thus the yarn'length downstream of the roller increases and the yarn tension returns to predetermined setting.

When the yarn tension decreases, for example, due to a decreased rate of consumption, the loop of yarn extending under roller 34 tends to lengthen, whereupon the ring 52 and/or the ring 46 slide downwardly on their standards. Thus the length of yarn actually in contact with the underside of roller 34 decreases, in consequence of which slippage increases and yarn is advanced at a slower rate by roller 34. Thus the yarn length downstream of the roller decreases and therefore the yarn tension returns to predetermined setting.

It is important to note that the rate of operation of the machine may change from time to time during the cycle of the machine in accordance with a predetermined pattern. In this event, the devices 12 and 14 automatically adjust to the change and then resume operation as described hereinabove. In addition, when the demand for yarn terminates, the rings 52 and 46 automatically slide downwardly on their standards 48 and 42 and remove the yarn from contact with the roller 34, which continues to rotate in yarn advancing direction, and when the knitting machine again demands yarn, the rings 52 and 46 automatically move upwardly on their standards 48 and 42, allowing the yarn to again contact the undersurface of the roller 34, which proceeds to level the yarn tension.

A yarn tension leveling device constructed in accordance with the invention may be used for leveling the tension in nylon and similar yarns, in spandex yarns, i.e., Lycra and Vyrene, and in textured yarns'of all types.

As a specific example, in handling nylon yarn up .to 150 denier, excellent results have been obtained under the following conditions: The roller 34 was 2% of an inch in diameter with a facing of 'shell cordovan leather. It was rotated at 3450 r.p.m., giving a surface speed of approximately 402 /2 inches per second. The standards 48, 42, 30 and 26 were of rigid, highly polished wire. The rings 52, 46, 32 and 28 were 35 of an inch in outside diameter and made of ceramic material with a mat finish. The cylinder 22 was made of ceramic material with a mat finish and the outside diameter of the cylinder was 2% inches. The knitting machine consumed the yarn at the normal rate of approximately inches per second. Therefore, during normal operation, .the ratio of roller surface speed to yarn linear speed was approximately 4: 1.

Although the embodiment of FIGURES 1-3 is shown and described as handling only one yarn 20, it will be understood that the apparatus may handle several yarns simultaneously, leveling the tension in each yarn independently of the others.

Referring particularly to FIGURES 4-8, a rigid base, generally designated 110, mounts a battery of tension devices, generally designated 112, 114, 116 and 118, and a yarn tension leveling device, generally designated 120. Associated with each tensioning device is a supply of yarn in the form of a pirn (not shown). Yarns, designated 124, 126, 128 and 130 extend from these pirns through the yarn tension leveling device 120 and respectively through the tensioning devices 112, 114, 116 and 118 to a utility, for example, a circular ladies hosiery knitting machine (not shown).

The tension devices 112, 114, 116 and 118 are identical, and therefore only the device 112 will be described. An angle 132 is affixed to the base 111 by means of screws 134. The tension device includes a frame 136 having a member 138 of inverted U shape. One leg 140 of this member is afiixed to the angle 132, and the other leg 142, comparatively short, is connected to the leg 140 of the member 138 by a portion 144. The frame also has a member 146 with one leg 148 overlying the leg 140 of the member 138 and a comparatively short leg 150 at right angles to the leg 148. The leg 148 is slotted, as at 152, and secured to the leg 140 of the member 138 by a screw 154. The legs 142 and 140 of the member 138 respectively carry aligned eyelets 156 and 158. Between the legs 141) and 142, and laterally spaced therefrom and from each other, are a set of aligned rings 162 depending respectively from grooves 166 extending across the portion 144 of the member 138. Underlying the part 14401 the member 138 is a rod 164 provided with a horizontally extending portion 166, a portion 168 extending laterally from one end of the portion 166 and terminating in a ortion 170 depending therefrom and extending freely through a hole 172 in the leg 150 of the member 146, and a portion 174 extending laterally from the other end of the portion 166 and terminating in a portion 176 extending upwardly therefrom and through a hole 178 in portion 144 of the member 138. The portion 166 mounts laterally spaced aligned rings 180 staggered relative to rings 162. All of the eyelets 156, 158, and rings 162 and 180 are made of a ceramic material, for example, Al-Si-Mag, and finished with a mat surface.

The leveling device 120 includes a roller 182 covered with shell cordovan leather. Extending through the roller 182 is a shaft 183, opposite end portions of which are journaled in bearings 184 respectively seated upon blocks 186 aflixed to the base 110. A coupling 188 connects the shaft 183 to the shaft of an electric motor 190.

Extending upwardly from the base 110, on the downstream side of the device 120, is a ost 192 which slidably receives a crossbar 194 secured by a screw 196. Afiixed to the cross bar 194 are a pair of standards 198 the free end portions of which respectively mount eyelets 200. Fitted over each standard 198 is a ring 201. Also extending upwardly from the base 110, opposite the post 192, 1s a post 202 which slidably receives a crossbar 204 secured by a screw 206. Affixed to the crossbar 204 are a pair of standards 208 the free end portions of which mount eyelets 210. Fitted over each standard 208 is a ring 211. All of the standards 198 and 208 are made of smooth, rigid wire, and all of the rings 201 and 211 are made of a ceramic material, for example, Al-Si-Mag, and finished with a mat surface.

On the upstream side of the tension leveling device 120 is a post 212 aflixed to the base 110. Fitted over this post is a collar 214 secured by a screw 216. Extending laterally from the collar 214 is an arm 218 mounting a pair of eyelets 222. Also on the upstream side of the tension leveling device 120, opposite the post 212, is a post 224 afiixed to the base 110. Fitted over this post is a collar 226 secured by a screw 228. Extending laterally from the collar 226 is an arm 230 mounting a pair of eyelets 232.

The yarns 124, 126, 128 and 130 are passed respectively through the eyelets 222 and 232, under the roller 182 of the leveling device 120, respectively through the rings 201 and 211 and the eyelets 200 and 210. Then each is threaded through the associated eyelet 158, the several rings 162 and 180 and the eyelet 156, from whence it extends to the knitting machine.

As in the case of the embodiment of FIGURES 1-3, assuming that the knitting machine is at rest, there is no demand for yarn. The rings 201 and 211, due to their weight, assume comparatively low positions on their standards 198 and 208 and hold the yarns 124, 126, 128 and 130 away from the roller 182. Each yarn supports the several rings 180 and is held down thereby in contact with the several rings 162 of the associated tension device. As in the case of the embodiment of FIGURES 1-3, when yarn is demanded by the knitting machine, slack is removed from the yarn. Therefore, the rings 201 and 211 slide upwardly respectively on their standards 198 and 208 as required to bring the yarns 124, 126, 128 and 130 into contact with the underside of the roller 182. The roller turns rapidly in yarn advancing direction, the surface speed thereof exceeding the linear speed of the yarn so that there is always some slippage between the yarns and the roller.

With regard to any one of the several yarns, for example, yarn 124, tension in the yarn delivered to the knitting machine is dependent upon the weight of rings 180, the resistance olfered by rings 180 to yarn being pulled therethrough and the angle included between the portions of yarn entering and issuing from the rings 180. All of these factors may be related initially as required to afford a setting which gives a predetermined desired yarn tension.

Of the factors enumerated above, the angle included between the portions of yarn entering and issuing from the rings 180 is most important. While the machine is drawing yarn from a bobbin at a uniform rate, this angle does not vary, in consequence of which the yarn tension does not vary. When the rate changes, the yarn length between the roller 182 and the machine tends to change also. If the rate decreases, the yarn length tends to become greater, in consequence of which the portions 170 and 176 of the rod 164 slide downwardly respectively in the holes 172 and 178 and the several rings 188 are lowered relative to the several rings 162. As a consequence, the angle included between the portions of yarn entering and issuing from a ring 180 is reduced, whereupon the yarn tension changes. If the rate increases, the yarn lengths tends to become shorter, in consequence of which the portions 170 and 176 of the rod 164 slide upwardly respectively in the holes 172 and 178 and the several rings 180 are raised relative to the several rings 162. As a consequence, the angle included between the portions of yarn entering and issuing from a ring 180 is increased, whereupon the yarn tension changes. As in the embodiment of FIGURES l-3, the function of the device is to prevent the aforesaid changes in yarn length between roller 182 and the knitting machine, thereby to prevent change in yarn tension. The tension leveler 120 operates for the purpose intended similarly to the tension leveler 14, and the description of the operation of tension leveler 14 is deemed suflicient for the description of the operation of tension leveler 120. However, it should be noted that the standards 198 and 208 may be positioned as desired, between the full line and broken line positions thereof shown in FIGURE 4, as will be readily understood. This feature is of prime importance because the amount of slippage between a yarn and the surface of roller 182 of the leveler 120 depends in part upon the level of air humidity. The higher the relative humidity, the less slippage for a given amount of yarn passing under the roller in contact therewith, and the lower the relative humidity, the more slippage for a given amount of yarn passing under the roller in contact therewith. Consequently, the capacity to compensate for variations in the level of air humidity becomes important. Compensation is effected by suitably positioning the standards 198 and 208. For example, under assumed condition of temperature and humidity, the amount of slippage desired may be obtained with the standard 198 intermediate the full line and broken line positions shown in FIGURE 4. If the level of humidity rises, slippage decreases. To compensate for the decrease, the standard 198 is moved as required toward the upright broken line position shown in FIGURE 4. If the level of humidity falls, slippage increases. To compensate for the increase, the standard 198 is lowered toward the full line position thereof shown in FIGURE 4. When handling yarns of the specified deniers and under the conditions of temperature and humidity specified in the table below, the positions of the standard given in the table have produced excellent results:

As in the case of the embodiment of FIGURES 13, the devices 112, 114, 116 and 118 and the device 120 automatically adjust to a change in the speed of operation of the knitting machine and then resume operation as described hereinbefore. In addition, it will be noted that the tension in each yarn 124, 126, 128 and 130 is leveled independently of the tension in the others. Furthermore, when the demand for yarn terminates, the yarn is automatically removed from contact with the roller 182 and when the machine again demands yarn, the yarn is automatically raised into contact with the undersurface of the roller 182, which proceeds to level the yarn tension.

Although the tension leveling device of the present invention has been described as being useful in connection with the delivery of yarn to the needles of a knitting machine, it will be obvious that the device is useful in any environment where the need for leveling the tension in a yarn is important. For example, in simply rewinding a package of yarn, e.g., unwinding it from one pirn and rewinding it upon another.

What is claimed is:

1. In a yarn furnishing device, the combination comprising:

(a) a source of yarn,

(b) a utility operable at least periodically for drawing yarn from said source,

(c) yarn tensioning means between said source and utility for receiving said yarn moving from said source to said utility, and

' (d) tension leveling means between said source and yarn tensioning means including (1) a roller, (2) means disposed respectively upon opposite sides of said roller for training said yarn about said roller with a certain length thereof engaging the underside of said roller when yarn tension is a predetermined amount, at least one of said means including (a) an elongated member fixed relative to the roller, and '(b) an element mounted upon said member for moving freely lengthwise thereof for raising and lowering said yarn, and (3) means for rotating said roller in yarn advancing direction at a rate such that the surface speed of the roller exceeds the linear speed of said yarn.

2. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the elongated upright member is in the form of a rod, and the element mounted thereon is in the form of a ring fitted loosely over said rod.

3. The combination defined in claim 2 wherein the rings are made of a ceramic material with a mat surface finish.

4. The combination defined in claim 2 wherein an eyelet is afiixed to the rod, above the ring, for coacting with said ring to hold the length of yarn spanning said ring and eyelet approximately parallel to said rod.

5. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein the elongated member included in the yarn training means is adjustably fixed in position between the yarn tensioning and tension leveling means.

6. The combination defined in claim 5 wherein the elongated member is in the form of a rod mounted for vertical swinging movement, and the element mounted upon said member is in the form of a ring fitted loosely over said rod.

7. The combination defined in claim 6 wherein the ring is made of a ceramic material with a mat finish.

8. The combination defined in claim 6 wherein an eyelet is aflixed to the rod, at the free end of the rod, for coacting with said ring to hold the length of yarn spanning said ring and eyelet approximately parallel to said rod.

9. In a device for leveling the tension in a yarn passing therethrough from a source thereof to a utility, the combination comprising:

(a) a roller revolvable about a generally horizontal axis,

(b) means for training the yarn to form a loop extending under said roller in contact therewith including (1) stationary guide means respectively at opposite ends of said yarn loop, and

ing freely lengthwise of said standard, and

(3) means for turning said roller in yarn advancing direction at a surface speed greater than the linear speed of said yarn.

10. The combination according to claim 9 wherein the yarn guide element consists of a ring loosely embracing the standard.

11. The combination according to claim 10 wherein the ring is in the form of a toroid made of a ceramic material with a mat surface finish.

12. The combination according to claim 11 wherein the standard is in the form of a rod, the stationary guide means associated with said standard is in the form of an eyelet mounted upon said rod above the ring, said eyelet and ring being operative for holding the length of yarn extending therebetween approximately parallel to said rod.

13. The combination according to claim 9 wherein the standard is disposed in a plane extending cross-axially of the roller and is pivotally mounted for being swung in said plane toward and away from the roller, and means is provided for adjustably fixing said standard in a selected position thereof.

14. The combination accordingto claim 13 wherein the stationary guide means on the side of the roller remote from the adjustably fixed standard is mounted for being moved vertically, and means is provided for adjustably fixing said stationary guide means in a selected position.

15. The combination'according to claim 9 wherein the apertured yarn guide elements through which the yarn extends are associated respectively with the stationary guide means, and the standards are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the roller and positionally fixed relative thereto.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,158,547 5/1939 Lawson et al. 66132 2,217,225 10/1940 Lawson et a1. 66-132 2,415,535 2/1947 Scarborough 66146 2,462,288 2/ 1949 Richter 242 154l 2,641,913 6/1953 Alric 24247.09 X 2,658,367 11/1953 Shortland -2-.. 66-132 3,083,924 4/1963 Vossen et a1. 24247.l2 3,093,330' 6/1963 Schmidt 24245 FOREIGN PATENTS 964,455 1/ 1950 France.

STANLEY N. GILREATH, Primary Examiner,

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,323,753 June 6, 1967 Richard C. Spurgeon It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 33, "delievered" should read delivered Column 3, line 4, "content" should read contact Column 4, line 63, and Column 5, line 10, "Al-Si-Mag", each occurrence, should read Alsigmag Column 5, line 70, "lengths",

should read length Signed and sealed this 5th day of August 1969,

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, JR. 

1. IN A YARN FURNISHING DEVICE, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING: (A) A SOURCE OF YARN, (B) A UTILITY OPERABLE AT LEAST PERIODICALLY FOR DRAWING YARN FROM SAID SOURCE, (C) YARN TENSIONING MEANS BETWEEN SAID SOURCE AND UTILITY FOR RECEIVING SAID YARN MOVING FROM SAID SOURCE TO SAID UTILITY, AND (D) TENSION LEVELING MEANS BETWEEN SAID SOURCE AND YARN TENSIONING MEANS INCLUDING (1) A ROLLER, (2) MEANS DISPOSED RESPECTIVELY UPON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID ROLLER FOR TRAINING SAID YARN ABOUT SAID ROLLER WITH A CERTAIN LENGTH THEREOF ENGAGING THE UNDERSIDE OF SAID ROLLER WHEN YARN TENSION IS A PREDETERMINED AMOUNT, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID MEANS INCLUDING (A) AN ELONGATED MEMBER FIXED RELATIVE TO THE ROLLER, AND (B) AN ELEMENT MOUNTED UPON SAID MEMBERS FOR MOVING FREELY LENGTHWISE THEREOF FOR RAISING AND LOWERING SAID YARN, AND (3) MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID ROLLER IN YARN ADVANCING DIRECTION AT A RATE SUCH THAT THE SURFACE SPEED OF THE ROLLER EXCEEDS THE LINEAR SPEED OF SAID YARN. 